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Honest Leadership And Open Government Act Of 2007

Floor Speech

Date: June 24, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Military Personnel


HONEST LEADERSHIP AND OPEN GOVERNMENT ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - May 24, 2007)

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Mr. CANTOR. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

I rise in opposition to this amendment and take issue with the suggestion from the other side that somehow our generals and flag officers are tainted by the offers of employment upon leaving military service.

We are talking about individuals who have spent their entire professional lives serving in the United States of America. Our men and women in the uniformed services consistently hold themselves to a higher standard of ethical and moral conduct. They serve as role models for Americans all across this Nation. They deserve our respect, gratitude, and admiration.

This amendment imposes employment restrictions on general and flag officers that do not apply to any other officer or employee of the executive or legislative branch. In fact, as the gentleman from Pennsylvania who spoke before said, this amendment would ensure that our Nation's senior military leaders are governed by more restrictive postemployment rules than Members of Congress are.

Current postemployment prohibitions and restrictions in title 18 already apply to officers and employees of the executive and legislative branches, including general and flag officers. Current law does not generally prohibit employment, but rather restricts what individuals can do for 1- or 2-year periods following government service.

Finally, Madam Chair, this amendment hints of an antimilitary sentiment that will have an adverse impact on military officers serving in military grades below general and flag rank.

Our Nation's men and women serving in the military today have made tremendous sacrifices in the service of our country. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and send a message to our Nation's senior military leaders that we appreciate their service, recognize their sacrifice, and honor their integrity.

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